Ride Leader

The Cycling Ireland Ride Leader Award aims to provide leaders with an introduction to cycle leading and the competencies required to lead and manage groups on a cycle.


Cycling Ireland Ride Leader training will provide leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead and manage a group of cyclists on the road in club/group rides.


The course will explore the roles and responsibilities the Ride Leader will assume and prepare learners as Ride Leaders to provide safe and enjoyable cycling experiences for people of all levels of ability and age.



Duration and Format: 

Ride Leaders will attend a one day assessed course which will qualify them to facilitate led rides for groups of cyclists.

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Course Cost:

€60 or £50 Cycling Ireland Members / €80 or £70 Non Cycling Ireland Members 

To attend the course candidates must:

Be over 18 years of age

Have the fitness level to ride for approximately 20km, on a route that may contain hilly sections

Be comfortable cycling in a group in close proximity to other riders

Be comfortable cycling on busy roads in close proximity to traffic

Be comfortable taking either hand off the handlebars

Be able to ride in a straight line whilst looking over either shoulder

Be able to fix a puncture

Be aware of the basic laws pertaining to cycling on the road

Attend with a bike and helmet in safe working order


The comprehensive syllabus for the award includes Risk Assessment, Safety Checks, Assessing Riders Ability, Group Cycling, Group Management, Planning a Cycle and Leadership.


Ride Leaders will cycle a simulated club/group ride and practically apply techniques, skills and newly acquired knowledge covered in the classroom. 


Ride Leaders will be required to lead part of the pre-risk-assessed route. Leaders will be assessed on their ability to lead.


On completion of the course, the Ride Leader will be able to facilitate Club Ride(s) and/or Group Ride(s) and utilise a range of communication and leadership strategies to effectively lead a cycle.  


The Ride Leader Award also complements and supports the Cycling Ireland Bike for Life and Community Bike Rides Programme.